VISIT WITH MAVIS… What might have been a dark, dismal Thursday was brightened because Mavis, a blue merle smooth collie, visited Coloma Elementary School. This ten-month-old pup is in training to become a certified therapy dog. Mavis, with the guidance of her owner Natalie Contreras, is practicing her socialization skills by meeting new people and learning how to be calm and respectful. Mavis visits the school about twice a week and goes in classrooms, offers a calming presence to students and staff, and occasionally enjoys an outdoor recess time. Contreras explained, “Mavis’s number one goal is to provide emotional support to students who need it, and in that she has been successful.” She also expressed appreciation to Superintendent Dave Ehlers and Principal Kelly Jo Severin for their approval. Students in Miss Martindales’s 2nd grade classroom had the opportunity to have a visit from Mavis and they shared their reactions to this experience with Record reporter, Sheila Schultz. (TCR Photos by Sheila Schultz)
